The Ember & Ash Mosaic Cowl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Two-Tone Wrap
The Ember & Ash Mosaic Cowl: A Modern Two-Tone Knitting Pattern
This striking cowl uses a simple slipped-stitch mosaic technique to create a bold, geometric pattern in two contrasting colors, resulting in a modern and cozy accessory. Knit in the round, it's a satisfying project that looks far more complex than it is. The interplay of warm terracotta and soft cream creates a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic perfect for fall and winter layering.
Finished Dimensions
24 inches circumference, 10 inches tall
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors:
- Main Color (MC): 220 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras')
- Contrast Color (CC): 180 yards (sample uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Damas')
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving ends
Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- sl1 wyif: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
- sl1 wyib: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- MC: Main Color
- CC: Contrast Color
Pattern Notes
- The cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up.
- The mosaic pattern is created by slipping stitches from the previous round while knitting with the new color. Always carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the work.
- The pattern is a 12-stitch repeat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cast On and Ribbing (Rounds 1-6)
With MC, cast on 120 stitches using your preferred method. Place a stitch marker and join to work in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-6: *K2, P2; repeat from * around. This creates a 2x2 ribbed edge that will form the bottom of the cowl.
Mosaic Pattern (Rounds 7-18)
Note: For each round, you will work with the color indicated. When slipping stitches, always slip them purlwise with the yarn held in front (wyif) unless otherwise specified. The slipped stitches will create the geometric pattern.
Round 7 (CC): *K1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif; repeat from * around. (10 stitches per repeat, 12 repeats total)
Round 8 (CC): *K1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif; repeat from * around. (This round is identical to Round 7, reinforcing the pattern.)
Round 9 (MC): *K2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2; repeat from * around.
Round 10 (MC): *K2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2; repeat from * around.
Round 11 (CC): *K3, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k3; repeat from * around.
Round 12 (CC): *K3, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k3; repeat from * around.
Round 13 (MC): *K1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif; repeat from * around.
Round 14 (MC): *K1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif; repeat from * around.
Round 15 (CC): *K2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2; repeat from * around.
Round 16 (CC): *K2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, k2; repeat from * around.
Round 17 (MC): *K3, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k3; repeat from * around.
Round 18 (MC): *K3, sl1 wyif, k3, sl1 wyif, k3; repeat from * around.
Repeat Pattern
Repeat Rounds 7-18 two more times, for a total of 3 pattern repeats. After completing the third repeat, you will have worked through Round 54.
Top Ribbing (Rounds 55-60)
With MC, repeat Rounds 1-6 (the 2x2 ribbing pattern).
Finishing
Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off). Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle, being careful to match the color of the yarn you're weaving. Block gently by soaking in cool water, squeezing out excess water (do not wring), and laying flat to dry. Blocking will open up the mosaic pattern and even out the stitches.
Your Ember & Ash Mosaic Cowl is complete! Enjoy wearing this modern, cozy accessory that showcases the beauty of slipped-stitch colorwork.
